Network Solutions Engineer - Fort Meade, MD

Overview

Onsite Network Solutions Engineer at Fort Meade, MD, supporting a key customer and project for Ciena Government Solutions Inc. (CGSI), acting as the local subject matter expert for network modernization.

What you'll do

• Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to understand project requirements and support network architecture design and implementation.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate equipment functionality, interoperability, security, and performance based on customer requirements.
• Translate test results into actionable implementation plans and provide expert engineering support during deployment, including Layer-0, Layer-1, and Layer-2 (Layer-3 experience is a plus).
• Conduct equipment inventory assessments against the final Ciena Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Perform initial commissioning of Ciena systems based on provided documentation in customer labs or staging facilities.
• Escalate and resolve issues with Ciena platforms in accordance with Ciena procedures.
• Collaborate with customer and internal technical teams to analyze optical performance and escalate anomalies to appropriate stakeholders.
• Deliver accurate documentation for configuration, provisioning, and testing results as part of project deliverables.
• Contribute to standards development, interpret customer requirements, and guide network modernization efforts.
• Assist team members with other projects as required.

What you'll need

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Active Secret Security Clearance (Top Secret preferred).
• Ability to work independently (self-starter) and in a team environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with Ciena products.
• Strong understanding of SONET, DWDM, ROADM/nOADM architecture, and provisioning/implementation.
• Ethernet architecture, provisioning, and implementation.
• IP/MPLS/L3 protocols.
• Familiarity with Network Management Systems (NMS), including Ciena MCP/Navigator.
• Ability to work in a lab environment.
• Ability to read and follow network diagrams, cabling guides, and signal flow diagrams.
• A diverse telecommunications background, strong hands-on technical experience, and organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Networking, or a related technical field (equivalent experience in a related field will be considered in lieu of a degree).

Nice to have

• Hands-on expertise with Ciena 6500 DWDM/OTN and Route Switch platforms, including Ciena Site Manager, MCP/Navigator software, and Service-Aware Operating System (SAOS).
• Experience with legacy SONET and TDM systems, including OCx, DS1, and DS3 circuits, plus TDM BER testing practices and test plan development.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and optimize network performance in both lab and field environments.
• Ability to learn new technology and apply and share applicable knowledge with customers, stakeholders, and peers.
• Ability to assist customers (onsite or remotely) with troubleshooting, installation, and implementation as Tier III/Tier IV during field deployment.

Details

• Work location: Onsite at Fort Meade, MD.
• Reports to the Senior Manager and works closely with the Project Manager and Sales Account Manager.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.